“The economic hardship is serious. People are suffering,” said the Kano governor, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has openly backed the nationwide hardship protest slated to start on August 1, 2024.
He assured peaceful citizens of his support and vowed to personally receive demonstrators at the Government House on Thursday.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf emphasised the democratic right of Nigerians to protest but urged the youth to conduct their demonstrations peacefully.
“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen. I want the protesters to carry out their procession with caution, as some criminal elements plan to hijack the protest. If you embark on a peaceful procession, I will receive you, and if you wish, I’ll join you.”
Knocks Police
The governor’s support for the protest comes amid growing concerns over the role of security agencies in handling civil unrest. Governor Yusuf expressed frustration with the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of insubordination and failure to follow directives of the state government.
“I can’t understand why the security agencies, especially the police, will not obey our orders,” he said. “When we tell them to do this or that, they will tell us they received an order from ‘above.’ Who is the ‘above’? I am the chief security officer in the state. If you have a problem with that, go and change the Nigerian constitution.”
As the protest looms, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has also weighed in, urging the government to take concrete steps to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the people. “We must find proper ways to help the needy and ensure that what is given to them reaches them,” the Emir remarked during the meeting.
The upcoming protest has sparked a debate among various groups, with some supporting the action as a means to address the country’s economic challenges, while others advocate dialogue to prevent a breakdown of law and order.